Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed Grass)
From CONPS: Slow growing and somewhat slow to establish, adding this warm season perennial to your garden will help mitigate its decline in the wild. This fine-textured, distinctive bunchgrass bears gracefully curving leaves arching outward to form large, round tufts. Foliage turns golden with orange hues in fall, fading to light bronze in winter. Flowers have pink and brown tints, but are perhaps most noted for their unique fragranc. Delicate seedheads appear above the tuft in midsummer, rising 2 ft. high. Fall color is tan-bronze. Snow does not flatten this perennial, so it is visible even in winter. Plant in full sun, low water use, needs well-drained soil.
GIAB:
Prairie Dropseed Grass
Latin Name: Sporobolus heterolepis Mature Height: 24-30”
Mature Spread: 18-24”
Hardy To: 7,000’
Water: Low
Exposure: Sun
Flower Color: Gray-Green
Flower Season: Summer to Fall
Attracts: Birds
Description: Prairie Dropseed is a native to the Great Plains of North America, and it is said to be one of the most handsome of all the dry prairie grasses. It is a clump-forming grass with a narrow, upright growth habit. Its slender, medium green leaves form a finely textured background for airy, open panicles of gray-green flowers in mid-summer that are good for dried arrangements.
The foliage color changes to orange in late fall, and fades to light bronze in the winter. A plant of year-round interest, Prairie Drop- seed will not get flattened by the snow and will remain visible all winter long. This plant is also of interest to birds whom munch on its highly nutritious seeds. Prairie Dropseed is known for its unique fragrance, which is compared to coriander or fresh popcorn and cilantro. Because of its drought tolerance, it has become a top plant choice for green/living roofs.
Care: Prairie Dropseed is a slow growing and spreading plant that is well worth the wait. It will take about three years to reach full maturity, but mature clumps will live for decades without the need for division. It prefers rocky and sandy soils, but can also tolerate clay. Too much shade will make this grass flop.
Fun Fact: Plains Indians ground the seeds to make flour.
